Chapter II- Nexus Between Beowulf and Batman
Though these epic tales were created about 1000 years apart, the story of Batman and the story of Beowulf actually have a lot in common. These two characters are indeed heroes in their actions and are praised by the people in their society; they fight a foe which can only be beaten by them and they do such things for unselfish reasons.
“Beowulf had brought his king
Horses and treasures- as a man must
Not weaving nets for malice for his comrades
Preparing their death in the dark, secret, cunning tricks”
Beowulf and Batman both do not have any superpowers, however they are very strong, something that can be achieved by any ordinary men, by making that strength normal rather super. Beowulf and Batman both use their intellect as one of their greatest strengths. In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf was introduced by the Danish coast- guard as a mightiest man, “Nor have I seen A mightier man-at-arms on this earth Than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero’s armour.” (244-251) Beowulf’s identity as a hero is obvious to the Danish coast- guard just from looking at him. He was not taken as just an impostor or a “hanger-on” but he is the real thing, and he seems to have “realness” radiating off of him. Similarly, Batman was introduced in the comic, “Bruce Wayne, who witnessed the murder of his billionaire parents as a child, swore to avenge their deaths. He trained extensively to achieve mental and physical perfection, mastering martial arts, detective skills, and criminal psychology. Costumed as a bat to prey on criminals’ fears, and utilizing a high-tech arsenal, he became the legendary Batman.” Batman and Beowulf, as each of their society would describe it, are heroes. They both execute great deal of strength. They acquire such strength by hard work and their dedication. Beowulf swam for seven straight days and fights multiple sea monsters. Batman also get trained under Ra’s Al Ghul’s supervision and learned assassination and ninja skills. Beowulf while fighting a battle uses his robustness, with his battle with Grendel he rips off his arm with his bare hands. Batman, also single handedly, fights gangs of criminals on numerous occasions, showing not only strength but endurance like Beowulf. Batman ethics shows that he does not allow for murder unless it is absolutely necessary. If the criminals are not an immediate threat he will let them go. It is obvious while reading Beowulf that Beowulf is praised by fellow people, he was praised at the mead- hall when Beowulf pronounces his past accomplishments when confronted by Unferth. He …show more content…
However, there is also a strong sense of heroic pride within Beowulf and Batman which is at times in direct conflict with these Christian values. Thus, we see the dichotomies of pride vs. humanity and sacrifice vs. selfishness.
Throughout the story, Beowulf repeatedly acknowledges God as his protector. When Beowulf relates his battle with Grendel’s other, he states that “The fight would have ended straightaway if God had not guarded me” (Beowulf- The Legend). Further exemplified by the powerfully stated, “most often he has guided the man without friends”, there is a sense of mystical protection permeating all of Beowulf’s actions. However, there is also a strong sense that God’s protection must be earned, a warrior must first be true to his values, courage, honesty, pride, and humility and only then will he earn God’s …show more content…
There is a reference of Great Flood that took place in Genesis, “the origin of ancient strife, when the flood, rushing water, slew the race of giants they suffered terribly: that was a people alien to the Everlasting Lord. The Ruler made them a last payment through waters welling”(3.2). In this reference to the Biblical Flood, the author of Beowulf is suggesting that the sword’s creators were descendants of Cain. However, earlier in the passage these same giants are referred to with reverence, “There came into the possession of the prince of the Danes, after the fall of devils, the work of wonder smiths” (2.4). Once again there is a contrast between the pagan and Christian cultures, as the same “giants” are referred to with honor and contempt in succeeding
Though these epic tales were created about 1000 years apart, the story of Batman and the story of Beowulf actually have a lot in common. These two characters are indeed heroes in their actions and are praised by the people in their society; they fight a foe which can only be beaten by them and they do such things for unselfish reasons.
“Beowulf had brought his king
Horses and treasures- as a man must
Not weaving nets for malice for his comrades
Preparing their death in the dark, secret, cunning tricks”
Beowulf and Batman both do not have any superpowers, however they are very strong, something that can be achieved by any ordinary men, by making that strength normal rather super. Beowulf and Batman both use their intellect as one of their greatest strengths. In the epic poem Beowulf, Beowulf was introduced by the Danish coast- guard as a mightiest man, “Nor have I seen A mightier man-at-arms on this earth Than the one standing here: unless I am mistaken, he is truly noble. This is no mere hanger-on in a hero’s armour.” (244-251) Beowulf’s identity as a hero is obvious to the Danish coast- guard just from looking at him. He was not taken as just an impostor or a “hanger-on” but he is the real thing, and he seems to have “realness” radiating off of him. Similarly, Batman was introduced in the comic, “Bruce Wayne, who witnessed the murder of his billionaire parents as a child, swore to avenge their deaths. He trained extensively to achieve mental and physical perfection, mastering martial arts, detective skills, and criminal psychology. Costumed as a bat to prey on criminals’ fears, and utilizing a high-tech arsenal, he became the legendary Batman.” Batman and Beowulf, as each of their society would describe it, are heroes. They both execute great deal of strength. They acquire such strength by hard work and their dedication. Beowulf swam for seven straight days and fights multiple sea monsters. Batman also get trained under Ra’s Al Ghul’s supervision and learned assassination and ninja skills. Beowulf while fighting a battle uses his robustness, with his battle with Grendel he rips off his arm with his bare hands. Batman, also single handedly, fights gangs of criminals on numerous occasions, showing not only strength but endurance like Beowulf. Batman ethics shows that he does not allow for murder unless it is absolutely necessary. If the criminals are not an immediate threat he will let them go. It is obvious while reading Beowulf that Beowulf is praised by fellow people, he was praised at the mead- hall when Beowulf pronounces his past accomplishments when confronted by Unferth. He …show more content…
However, there is also a strong sense of heroic pride within Beowulf and Batman which is at times in direct conflict with these Christian values. Thus, we see the dichotomies of pride vs. humanity and sacrifice vs. selfishness.
Throughout the story, Beowulf repeatedly acknowledges God as his protector. When Beowulf relates his battle with Grendel’s other, he states that “The fight would have ended straightaway if God had not guarded me” (Beowulf- The Legend). Further exemplified by the powerfully stated, “most often he has guided the man without friends”, there is a sense of mystical protection permeating all of Beowulf’s actions. However, there is also a strong sense that God’s protection must be earned, a warrior must first be true to his values, courage, honesty, pride, and humility and only then will he earn God’s …show more content…
There is a reference of Great Flood that took place in Genesis, “the origin of ancient strife, when the flood, rushing water, slew the race of giants they suffered terribly: that was a people alien to the Everlasting Lord. The Ruler made them a last payment through waters welling”(3.2). In this reference to the Biblical Flood, the author of Beowulf is suggesting that the sword’s creators were descendants of Cain. However, earlier in the passage these same giants are referred to with reverence, “There came into the possession of the prince of the Danes, after the fall of devils, the work of wonder smiths” (2.4). Once again there is a contrast between the pagan and Christian cultures, as the same “giants” are referred to with honor and contempt in succeeding